D. Michailidou: The social integration of the Roma is nationally imperative

The new National Strategy for the Social Inclusion of the Roma 2021-2030 was presented in Parliament by the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Domna Michailidou.

As the Undersecretary pointed out: “The new NSRF, together with the Action Plan it contains, reflect the gradual shift in many countries of the European Union, from the traditional welfare system to deal with the extreme phenomena of deprivation of goods and services, to the promotion of equality. and securing opportunities that will enable creative individuals and Roma families. ”

The new ESKE for the Roma, which is a continuation, complement and update of the previous ESKE 2011-2020, was built on the principles of Active Social Policy, which promotes a series of development-oriented interventions to prevent and combat poverty. In particular, it incorporates as a tool for its implementation, the close cooperation with the Roma civil society itself. Their participation is now defined as a necessary condition for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of actions.

As Domna Michailidou explained, the holistic approach adopted, the principles of equality and equal opportunities on which the new ESKE is based and the goal of active participation of Roma in each stage of implementation of the actions are reflected in its four structural pillars which concern :

• Preventing and combating poverty and social exclusion.

• Enhancing equal access to basic services and goods.

• The prevention and fight against stereotypes and discrimination.

• The promotion of active participation in social, economic and political life.

A constituent element of the new ESKE is also the principle of specialization on which it is based, but without exclusive targeting of the Roma social group. Integration policies in the fields of education, housing, healthcare and employment may be tailored to meet their needs but are not designed exclusively for them as they are part of the broader framework of integration policies aimed at each vulnerable group and are in no way related to race, origin, religion, language or any other unfair discrimination.

Finally, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Domna Michailidou, stated that: “The social integration of the Roma is nationally imperative. It is not only a matter of morality, a matter of justice and respect for fundamental human rights, but it is also socially beneficial. The long-term economic benefits it is expected to have will strengthen social cohesion, contribute to the consolidation of social peace and prosperity. to this very necessity, in line with the values ​​of the European Union and in compliance with its international commitments to respect for human rights. ”